Matilda "Madee" Wagner

Matilda “Madee” Schmolz Wagner, 91, of Hudson, New York, and Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, after a very brief illness, peacefully with her family at her side. Madee, or Grandmadee, as she was known, will be forever missed by all who were lucky enough to be part of her circle. Family and friends were always her first priority, and she had the gift of making all those around her feel truly loved and appreciated. Madee did not think about aging much - she was too busy living her best life and enjoying living independently. Madee was the eldest child of Mary (D’Angelo) and William DeJoy, born in Amorosi Benevento, Italy, on April 12, 1931. She came to New York with her parents as an infant and grew up in Hudson, graduating from Hudson High School. She married Frank Schmolz and worked alongside him in operating their family business, the Home Bakery on Petition Street while raising their four children. After Frank passed away in 1972, Madee worked at Smith Tire Shop office and then Columbia Memorial Hospital business office until 1990 when she married J. Leo Wagner and began spending her winter months in Mesa, Arizona. She made many friends throughout her years in both Hudson and Mesa and has continued to stay connected to many people over the years. Always a craftswoman, Madee discovered quilting which became one of her many passions. She particularly enjoyed giving all her beautiful quilts away. Madee was also an avid reader throughout her lifetime, always carrying a book to pick up if she had a free minute. Never one to turn down an invitation, Madee loved to travel and was the happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. Madee is survived by three children, William (Laurie) Schmolz, Elaine (David) Rourke, and James (Helen) Schmolz. She was predeceased by a daughter, Karen Schmolz. She is survived by five grandchildren: Shannon (Al) LeBrun, Jennifer (Brian) Straniti, Jillian Menning, Carolyn (Ronan) Haldane, and Robyn (Ben) Bakkum, and twelve great-grandchildren. Her oldest great-granddaughter, Kaya Sindler, was a special friend and advocate to Madee in her last few years. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Marion DeJoy, and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends - many, many friends. Her longtime Arizona best friend, Ella (Ray) Zilnick, was both lots of fun and a great comfort to her over the years. Madee considered Ella to be family. In addition to her parents, husbands, and daughter, Madee was predeceased by her siblings Margaret Chappell, Louise Omelenchuck and John DeJoy. She was also predeceased by many loyal friends, including her friend, Peter Novak. Madee was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Hudson. A celebration of Madee’s life will be 12-2 PM on Friday May 12, 2023 at the Sacco Funeral Home 700 Town Hall Drive Hudson, NY. Funeral prayers will begin at 2PM with Fr. Winston Bath officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery Hudson.

Matilda "Madee" Wagner

April 12, 1931 - April 7, 2023